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In LaFleur, Redskins have coach whose specialty is passing

With three coaches under the age of 35, Mike Shanahan's offensive coaching staff will be significantly younger than the one that preceded it.

One of the most intriguing hires was quarterbacks coach Matt LaFleur, who followed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan from Houston and was relatively unknown outside the Texans' organization. LaFleur was previously an offensive assistant and comes to Washington with rave reviews from Gary Kubiak, the Texans' head coach who expects LaFleur to greatly aid Kyle Shanahan.

"I think every coordinator needs a right-hand guy, from a quarterbacks standpoint, to be with him. He'll do a great job," Kubiak said. "He's just getting started. He's a very bright young man. To be honest with you, he's a lot like Kyle was four or five years ago."

The Texans hired LaFleur in 2008 on the recommendation of his good friend Robert Saleh, the Texans' assistant linebackers coach. LaFleur had previously held offensive coaching positions at Ashland University, Northern Michigan, Central Michigan and Saginaw Valley State.

With the Texans, LaFleur worked with receivers in his first year. Andre Johnson led the league with 115 catches and 1,575 receiving yards that season, and in Year 2, Kubiak decided to to put LaFleur with the quarterbacks. Last season, Matt Schaub led the league with 4,770 passing yards and 396 completions. The Texans' offense was ranked first in passing (4,654 yards).

"Basically, Kyle and I gained so much confidence in him, we had him do a lot of work with our quarterbacks," said Kubiak. "He just grew on us, kept doing a great job. Our quarterbacks gained a lot of confidence in him. His specialty was working with our backup quarterbacks, our second and third. And he just did a hell of a job."

Though both Mike and Kyle Shanahan are expected to work intimately with the Redskins' quarterbacks this season, it will be LaFleur who's technically in charge of Jason Campbell (assuming he returns for one more season, as many around the league expect) and possibly a rookie up-and-comer (assuming the Redskins draft a quarterback, which again, many around the league expect).

The burgundy-and-gold-and-black

Would you add black to the Redskins' uniforms? Really? Dan Steinberg at the D.C. Sports Bog has the lowdown on the non-issue. Still fun to debate in late January, though. ... Bruce Allen wants you ... to buy Redskins tickets. See Steinberg for the video at the Bog.

Alex, Cincy's unis are far and away the ugliest in all of sports. The designer should be shot. The Vikes, Falcons, and Cards unis aren't terrible, but they are right on par with the Skins proposed unis.

I will continue to stump for a return to the throwbacks with the spear helmet and gold pants. Those things are a thing of beauty.

What the hell is up with this talk of uniform changes? KEEP THE COLORS AND LOOK THE WAY IT IS! Just focus on winning more games. We have a distinguished tradition and instant recognizable look, no need to change it. Just like Dallas, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, etc.

Alex, Cincy's unis are far and away the ugliest in all of sports. The designer should be shot. The Vikes, Falcons, and Cards unis aren't terrible, but they are right on par with the Skins proposed unis.

I will continue to stump for a return to the throwbacks with the spear helmet and gold pants. Those things are a thing of beauty.

Matt, this would be the time to come back since they eliminated many of those problems on the PS3 version. Gameplay is much simpler, the graphics and animations are stunningly brilliant, and there aren't nearly as many glitches are there used to be. The only glitch I've had to deal with is the CPU tends to call holding a lot on field goals, but other than that Madden '10 is the best version of the game to date.

The spear helmet looks stupid and college. That was the worst season when we played with those ugly uniforms with the spears on them. Indianhead or yellow "R", and nothing else. Stop the obsession with trying to change/fix something that's not broken.

strange how many liberals think nothing of all the infants being aborted, but howl louder than a stuck pig when a death-row inmate is put to death.

Posted by: 1965skinsfan | January 28, 2010 6:49 PM

It is strange. What's even stranger is that a scholar like you thinks people abort infants.

Posted by: mack1 | January 28, 2010 10:51 PM |

Funny stuff mack. I love games with semantics and you hit that one dead on. I hope he meant fetuses? Feti? Anyway, don't kill animals either.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 29, 2010 8:09 AM |

I'm against feeling a certain way on an issue because of a party belief, I look at each individual issue and decide how to feel about it.

I'm pro-choice for one main reason, none of the pro-life people are doing anything to help these women support there babies once they have it. So if a women feels she can't support or take care of a baby the right way, then she should have a choice to abort it if she wants to.

I'm also pro death penalty, as a matter of fact we do not use it enough in this country.

Being liberal on all issues or conservative on all issues is stupid, take each issue and apply your own thought to it.

I didn't buy '10 'cause the demo was so terrible. Anyone else get completely thrown off on the latest version?

Posted by: DikShuttle | January 29, 2010 8:31 AM

Not sure what you're talking about...IMO, the '10 version pummels the '09 version in just about every way. But I'm a big franchise mode player, so many of the upgrades came there but I also think the gameplay and presentation are far better than '09's was.

The Green Bay Packskins helmet is an abomination to all things manly. It looks like a giant block of cheese. I'd rather have the Florida State Redskinoles helmet. A spear is much more manly than a block of cheese. I mean what are we a bunch of French guys? I don't think so. We're men. Manly men from America. You can take those cheese helmets back to France you unpatriotic bastards. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? No, men, real men stayed and fought and they did it without giant blocks of cheese on their heads.

My cousin had 10 for the Xbox, it was good play overall once you get used to the non-Sony controls. What I liked about it was that you could take a team pick any combo of pants jerseys and helmets from what the teams currently use. I ended up setting up the skins with the 70th aniv jersey and pants with the current helmet. To me that would be the best design the skins could use.

The falcons can draft a Vick, trade away a Schaub, and then replace him with M Ryan without missing a step.

The texans can draft a D Carr, watch him bomb, and replace him with M Schaub, and find a new step.

And during all this time, the redskins are watching JC while wondering when the light will come on.

Or: when will we get lucky and have some great offense again?

Posted by: MistaMoe | January 29, 2010 8:37 AM

Dude, it's cyclical...we had Sonny AND Billy Kilmer at the same time. We had probably the single best all-around player in NFL history at QB in Sammy Baugh about 40 years before that. The Bears haven't had a franchise QB in about 50 years and the Niners had 3 in a row (Montana, Young, and Garcia). There's no rhyme or reason to it, sometimes you get lucky sometimes you don't.

Mr. Shuttle, Im glad you picked up on the sarcasm. I love dead animals. They are yummy! Flounder, all or nothing statements are rarely true. In fact you are wrong. My old boss volunteers at a family planning/ right to life organization and they do much to support these people including providing healthcare, food, clothing, job counseling/placement and childcare. They do a lot less of it now that the libs gutted their budget. So much for social programs huh?

Ok, timeout. Let's leave the abortion crap for yesterday. It's a Friday, and I am killing time between optimization runs of my simulation software, so lets just enjoy ourselves and leave Tim Tebow in the annals of the 'Non-RI-Material-But-JR-Couldn't-Think-Of-Anything' Category and move on.

The texans can draft a D Carr, watch him bomb, and replace him with M Schaub, and find a new step.

And during all this time, the redskins are watching JC while wondering when the light will come on.

Or: when will we get lucky and have some great offense again?

Posted by: MistaMoe | January 29, 2010 8:37 AM | Report abuse

Hmmm, David Carr is the current holder of the NFL single season sack record.

The Texans drafted 2 offensive tackles the year before they got Matt Schaub. They drafted a tackle and a guard the year they got Schuab. Then they drafted a first round left tackle and a running back the year after they got Schaub.

What I liked about it was that you could take a team pick any combo of pants jerseys and helmets from what the teams currently use. I ended up setting up the skins with the 70th aniv jersey and pants with the current helmet. To me that would be the best design the skins could use.

Posted by: alex35332 | January 29, 2010 8:45 AM

Exactly right, Alex...only the combo I love is the '07 throwback uni, but I switch the yellow helmet for the burgundy spear helmet or the default helmet. It's a beautiful thing.

I always preferred Madden anyway, but then as soon as they didn't have to compete, they put out a crap product.

And that doesn't sit well in these parts

Posted by: mattsoundworld | January 29, 2010 8:46 AM | Report abuse

Agreed, the NFL was facing a suit recently about the exclusive rights to the uniforms with reebock. I hope that if that exclusivity ruling gets done and we see the same ruling applied to the sports games as well. Because Madden was great early on. And there are other small companies I remember were making amazing gaming systems. I saw one where they had re-designed the players so that every single body part would move uniquely on hits and as a result they claimed you will never see 2 hits look the same, saw the demo of the system, amazing stuff, better than anything EA ever did.

I actually like the white on white uniforms. The burgundy on burgundy unis need to die a quick but painful death.

I don't mind subtle tweaks of the uni's here and there, but I think we've been blinded by the atrocities committed by Oregon, Denver, Minnesota, and Carolina. They totally fell for the side swoosh stripe fad and look ridiculous.

I liked the old spear throwbacks we wore several years ago... I would like a changed look. Look at Tampa, Jets, Giants etc.. They changed uni's and for whatever reason had a new identity and started winning. Tampa and Giants won a Superbowl not too long after changing. Ravens, that moved from Cleveland won a superbowl.. Coincidence?

I think Andre Johnson would have been great if Pee Wee Henry had been his coach. Shaub..was already there...he had honed his skills in Atlanta..just needed to play more.

The fact is..neither of those achievements by those players would have happened behind the Redskin O line. No rookie QB will be any good behind the current O line. Teams can always fine a good QB in later rounds..look at Tom Brady..or even not drafted like Romo. Fact, this team needs
a top left tackle..and to basically replace the rest of the line. Williams was out of football, and Levi was a bust on other teams. Neither will be the answer here.

Seems Sam Bradford..shoulder problems and all..could be the pick...remember Arena and his bad knee??? THEY NEED O LINEMEN!!!!

I actually like the white on white uniforms. The burgundy on burgundy unis need to die a quick but painful death.

Posted by: mattsoundworld | January 29, 2010 9:16 AM

Agreed. The burgundy-on-burgundy is such a heinous act that my eyes are suing the Redskins for assault. The white-on-white is OK, but only win '05 when they were wearing white shoes. Wearing all white with black shoes makes it look like you dressed yourself in the dark.

Considering the colors are burgundy and gold, I'd rather see them go back to wearing gold pants. That would be nice.

I actually like the white on white uniforms. The burgundy on burgundy unis need to die a quick but painful death.

Posted by: mattsoundworld | January 29, 2010 9:16 AM

Agreed. The burgundy-on-burgundy is such a heinous act that my eyes are suing the Redskins for assault. The white-on-white is OK, but only win '05 when they were wearing white shoes. Wearing all white with black shoes makes it look like you dressed yourself in the dark.

Considering the colors are burgundy and gold, I'd rather see them go back to wearing gold pants. That would be nice.

Posted by: brownwood26 | January 29, 2010 9:22 AM
------------------------------------------
Those burgundy on burgundy outfits are bad luck. They look like pajamas and the Redskins have enver won a game in that uniform.

BTW, I like the gold pants - would like to see them go to the arrowhead on the helmets again as well.

You can't deny the fact that the Cardinals are much better since they put a more agrresive bird on their helmets. Before the bird seemed almost indifferent but after the update that bid was downright angry. Kenny Mayne did a special on this a while back.

I'd be ok with gold pants as long as there was no stripe on them. Same with burgundy pants. Just one solid color.

Ideally, my home uni would be Solid Gold Pants with no stripe, Burgundy Jersey with White numbers (no gold outline) and a spear logo on the sleeve (no stripes there either) and a Burgundy helmet with the spear logo.

Road unis would be Solid gold or burgundy pants, white Jerseys with burgundy numbers (again, no outline), spear logo on the sleve, same helmet.

Becareful what you wish for on the changing of the unis. Buffalo "throwbacks" white helment red buffalo looks great, the unis they have now after getting "new unis" a few years ago look horrible. IF anything I say go back to the 70's look (Larry Brown, Ken Houston, Charlie Taylor)

the uniform issue would best be solved to me, by combining things, for example, use the spear, but have the spear being carried by the agressive bird from the cardinals helmet, who is riding on an agressive buffalo, from the bills helmet....problem solved...look for PFT to have something along these lines shortly...

"With the Texans, LaFleur worked with receivers in his first year. Andre Johnson led the league with 115 catches and 1,575 receiving yards that season, and in Year 2, Kubiak decided to to put LaFleur with the quarterbacks. Last season, Matt Schaub led the league with 4,770 passing yards and 396 completions. The Texans' offense was ranked first in passing (4,654 yards)."

So can that magic be recaptured in D.C. in my life-time (which I count quite differently after extended health issues having clouded my horizon)? I certainly hope so. All the more reason to take a minimum of three top notch o-linemen in this free-agency/draft season. Four are needed. OKUNG or CAMPBELL at LT in the first at #4, IUPUTI at #37 in the second, maybe CIRON BLACK for RT in the fourth, and MIKE OLSON C in the fifth would be nice out of the draft. TERRELL WHITEHEAD FS in the seventh. ED WANG OT and MATT McCRACKEN OG in undrafted free-agency.

Burning almost all your choices on o-line is dangerous however. Short-sighted.

We need at least one top o-line player from free-agency to give our draft more flexibility. We need more picks to do that.

PORTIS for a third would help. HAYNESWORTH for two picks this year would really help especially an extra first. But then he has to be replaced with a DAN WILLIAMS-type from the draft or free-agency.

Trading down with OAKLAND and/or SAN FRANCISCO for extra second and third picks would help. We've got options, but we've got to get out of this box VINNIE put us in.

His specialty was working with our backup quarterbacks, our second and third. And he just did a hell of a job."
_____
Sounds like he spent a lot of time with Sage Rosenfels.. A thought if Skins are looking for a short term QB until the QB of the future is ready. With his history of LOSING Campbell has to go to another team. I do hope he works with Colt Brennan r though.. he is the ONLY QB the Skins have right now with an upside. Also notice LaFleur spent some time in Central Mich. I believe there is a QB coming out this year from Central Mich.. Dan LeFevour. Someone they might look at tf the Skins want to draft a QB later in the draft.. heck they even sound alike.

Just sayin man, it was a lot better than the complete disaster that has ensued since.

Posted by: Bigfoot_has_a_posse | January 29, 2010 10:34 AM

Oh, I know Bigfoot...I wasn't debating that at all, for me it just kinda highlights how bad things have been for the last 17 years if we look back at a 10-6 season so fondly. Here's hoping that things get substantially better with a quickness...

"PORTIS for a third would help. HAYNESWORTH for two picks this year would really help especially an extra first"

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

If it were up to me I'd go back to the 1959-1964 helmets. Burgundy with the feather acting as the helmet stripe. It's simple and gets rid of the indian head that some people find offensive. The spear helmet is cool too but I always liked this one better:

Just sayin man, it was a lot better than the complete disaster that has ensued since.

Posted by: Bigfoot_has_a_posse | January 29, 2010 10:34 AM

Oh, I know Bigfoot...I wasn't debating that at all, for me it just kinda highlights how bad things have been for the last 17 years if we look back at a 10-6 season so fondly. Here's hoping that things get substantially better with a quickness...

Posted by: brownwood26 | January 29, 2010 10:46 AM | Report abuse

Haha, yeah I hear you dude. I've got faith in the Bronco-skins. All we do now is wait and debate.

As long as there are helmet stickers, I'm good. Have a great game, go grab yourself a helmet sticker, son.

Posted by: mattsoundworld | January 29, 2010 10:44 AM | Report abuse

If we're going Penn State then their are no numbers, no logos, no helmet stickers, and no names on the jerseys. Remember JoePa's philosophy is that you are a team you are not individuals. The only distinguishing characteristics are the numbers on the jersey and that is because they are required.

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

Championship

Posted by: BeantownGreg1 | January 29, 2010 10:51 AM | Report abuse

LOL. Silverback is good, but only a short-term answer as his days would be numbered as an effective player.

PORTIS for a third would help. HAYNESWORTH for two picks this year would really help especially an extra first"

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

Championship

Posted by: BeantownGreg1 | January 29, 2010 10:51 AM

I'm with you all the way, trouble is nobody's going to be willing to trade for these overpayed players especially not a 3rd rounder for Portis.

We need at least one top o-line player from free-agency to give our draft more flexibility. We need more picks to do that.

PORTIS for a third would help. HAYNESWORTH for two picks this year would really help especially an extra first. But then he has to be replaced with a DAN WILLIAMS-type from the draft or free-agency.

Trading down with OAKLAND and/or SAN FRANCISCO for extra second and third picks would help. We've got options, but we've got to get out of this box VINNIE put us in.

Posted by: glawrence007 | January 29, 2010 10:39 AM | Report abuse

We should trade a banged up 29 year old running back that has a ridiculous contract nobody would want for 1st and Tom Brady. We should trade an overweight part-time playmaking Dtackle with a ridiculous contract for Andre Johnson and a 1st. We should trade Moss for Calvin Johnson. Send Campbell to Carolina for their entire draft, and then hold a gun to any team with multiple 1st round picks and forced them to trade into the top 5 of an extremely deep draft but with no actually "elite" must have prospects the last year before there is going to be a rookie wage scale. Its that simple, lets do all that and we'll win it all next year!

trade portis for either a unicorn, or a rhinoceros...have the rhino be the primary ball carrier...who, now tell me WHO is gonna tackle that?? You could sign a rhino for cheap, cheap money....and he could graze at the stadium, and fertilize it as well...

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

We should trade a banged up 29 year old running back that has a ridiculous contract nobody would want for 1st and Tom Brady. We should trade an overweight part-time playmaking Dtackle with a ridiculous contract for Andre Johnson and a 1st. We should trade Moss for Calvin Johnson. Send Campbell to Carolina for their entire draft, and then hold a gun to any team with multiple 1st round picks and forced them to trade into the top 5 of an extremely deep draft but with no actually "elite" must have prospects the last year before there is going to be a rookie wage scale. Its that simple, lets do all that and we'll win it all next year!

trade portis for either a unicorn, or a rhinoceros...have the rhino be the primary ball carrier...who, now tell me WHO is gonna tackle that?? You could sign a rhino for cheap, cheap money....and he could graze at the stadium, and fertilize it as well...

We should trade a banged up 29 year old running back that has a ridiculous contract nobody would want for 1st and Tom Brady. We should trade an overweight part-time playmaking Dtackle with a ridiculous contract for Andre Johnson and a 1st. We should trade Moss for Calvin Johnson. Send Campbell to Carolina for their entire draft, and then hold a gun to any team with multiple 1st round picks and forced them to trade into the top 5 of an extremely deep draft but with no actually "elite" must have prospects the last year before there is going to be a rookie wage scale. Its that simple, lets do all that and we'll win it all next year!

Posted by: zjfr2 | January 29, 2010 11:04 AM | Report abuse

You forgot about trading Colt Brennan to the Broncos for Ryan Clady and 2 first round draft picks. That's what Shannahan used to do to us! Maybe he can do that to other people now!

flound, you sigh the rhino, and its like triple dipping....rhino rides during the week, you can eliminate the need for a maintanence crew cutting the grass as the rhino would eat it...you could TOTALLY put one over on the rhino, 'lavar-style' in the wording on the contract, cuz, rhino's can't read....I mean, tell me where it wont work.....not to mention the profit from the rhino jersey sales....

trade portis for either a unicorn, or a rhinoceros...have the rhino be the primary ball carrier...who, now tell me WHO is gonna tackle that?? You could sign a rhino for cheap, cheap money....and he could graze at the stadium, and fertilize it as well...

Posted by: BeantownGreg1

See once again you have it wrong.

Trade Portis for a Mongoose. Now you tell me, who's catching THAT?

As for Hanyesworth just release him and go and sign the assumed infertile panda bear from the D.C. zoo.

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

Speaking of trades for picks... this just popped into my head yesterday, but the more I think about, the more it seems plausible. Would we trade Laron Landry to the Saints, and if so, what would we take for him?

"Safety" is one of the positions the Saints supposedly will be looking to bolster this offseason, he would be a popular addition with fans in that area, and Gregg Williams is familiar with him and probalby thinks he knows how to get the most out of him.

I'd like to get a 3rd for him...but the Saints 3rd round pick is going to be so low, it will practically be a 4th. Doubt they'd give up their 2nd rounder (which will practically be a 3rd), but it never hurts to ask.

We could then use the pick on a more ball-hawk centerfielder type FS to fill that vacant slot.

see now I'm coming around to this Rhino idea, cuts down on the maintenance costs as well gives us a none offensive new mascot option. Imagine if we could get the silverback gorilla as a two way player, DT and lead blocking fullback for the Rhino. Boom Boom Firepower!

YES!!! Brought up this topic about the BLACK UNIFORMS last summer... I think that it would be great for the franchise! So if anyone in the front office actually reads these comments from the fans, THEN WILL YOU PLEASE ALLOW THE TEAM TO WEAR BLACK UNIFORMS NEXT SEASON???!!!

with that extra first, and I've said this before, they should draft either Bigfoot, or this just came to me, draft a silverback gorilla. Silverbacks have the strength of like 10 men, so who is gonna block him???

Championship

Posted by: BeantownGreg1 | January 29, 2010 10:51 AM

I'd go with Bigfoot. He's more elusive.

Posted by: Original_etrod | January 29, 2010 11:16 AM | Report abuse

Yeah, I'm elusive, strong and quick. On top of that, I scare teh sh*t out of anyone that looks at me. I'm uglier than Terrence Cody's man boobs. Now gimme some Bojangles or I'll throw poo at you. NOW!!!

Greg, not sure if the Rhino plan works...how would he carry the ball? If you use an elephant, you can spear the ball on one tusk, take out the eye of a defender with the other. Plus, their great memories are perfect for learning the playbook.

I wouldn't mind getting rid of Landry for a 3rd. But I'm sure there's other teams out there (Raiders) who would be willing to trade a high 3rd rounder for him instead of the Saints. Ryan Clark is supposed to be a FA so I'd bring him back here and team him up with Horton/Doughty.

I find nothing wrong with the current uniform, but if they want to make a change, here's a suggestion. If the team drops below 500, they must switch to bright pink uniforms until their record improves.

You're right. Let's update the Yankees', the Celtics', the Red Sox, and the Buckingham Guards while we're at it. Because, y'know they're old and tired looking, too. What about spangles? Why not put spinners on the helmets to make the 'skins more hip, hot, 'n' happenin' too.

Not only is this board full of experts on football, abortion, politics, and inside secrets in the lockerroom, we now have our own Shmata specialist.

Al Davis needs a QB. Jason Campbell needs a team. Campbell played well against the Raiders this year. Maybe Davis will be willing to trade McFadden for Campbell? McFadden would be a good fit for Shanahan's running game and he'd look good in the spear helmet throwback uniforms.

Regarding those horrible new uniform proposals that Matt Terl posted on the Redskins blog, I find it to be pretty comical that our friend Mr. Zorn almost wasn't wrong with his famous "maroon and black" comment, despite all the grief he took for it at the time.

Your intelligence swamps flounders for though flounder is right IMO, you offer a viable reason for what transpires in American politics, and a solution to the dilemma of information dissemination.

Posted by: glawrence007 | January 29, 2010 11:05 AM | Report abuse

Actually I am part of a very small group trying to call for a constitutional convention. Its for a very logical reason. We have not updated our form of government in 220 years and there have been a lot of new ideas in how to create a representative government since then.

Me, I like some aspects of a parliamentary system, also think some more direct democracy technology could be implemented at this point.

a name that may be available that I would jump on if I was in charge, Antrel Rolle:

from espn insider rumors:

Ready to Rolle in dough?
8:48AM ET
Antrel Rolle | Cardinals
Top Email

Antrel Rolle emerged as the surefire starter at safety for the Arizona Cardinals, and they'd like to hang onto him given the alternatives on the roster. But there's a problem: Rolle is poised to get a $4 million roster bonus, and an $8.1 million salary for the season on top of that, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. Shockingly, Somers reports that the Cards are not willing to pay that much for Rolle.

There are two likely scenarios: one, Rolle and the Cards will come to a long-term agreement. Two, the Cards release Rolle before his roster bonus is due and hope for the best in free agency and the draft, because none of the other in-house options are suitable heirs to the position.

It'll be interesting to see where Rolle's issue falls on the priority chart with Karlos Dansby and Anquan Boldin.

Al Davis needs a QB. Jason Campbell needs a team. Campbell played well against the Raiders this year. Maybe Davis will be willing to trade McFadden for Campbell? McFadden would be a good fit for Shanahan's running game and he'd look good in the spear helmet throwback uniforms.

Posted by: coparker5 | January 29, 2010 11:38 AM | Report abuse

I'd rather get a draft pick for JC then getting McFadden. Dude is injury prone and still hasn't taken the reigns as the full time starter in Oakland, so that's not saying much.

I could see the skins trading campbell to 2 teams, Minnesota and Arizona. Both have a late first round pick and just lost a starting QB. I could also see both willing to trade up to the 4th pick to get a QB early this year.

Look at some of the other older Safeties in the league: Ed Reed, Sharper, Dawkins, etc. They're still effective and going strong. Nothing wrong with having a proven veteran in the secondary to make sure things are in order. Clark isn't that old, he could give 3 good yrs of service.

see now I'm coming around to this Rhino idea, cuts down on the maintenance costs as well gives us a none offensive new mascot option. Imagine if we could get the silverback gorilla as a two way player, DT and lead blocking fullback for the Rhino. Boom Boom Firepower!

Posted by: zjfr2 | January 29, 2010 11:21 AM | Report abuse

------------
Unfortunately, PFT just reported that the Cowgirls have signed a hunk of amber with preserved sabre-tooth tiger DNA, and Jerry and Wade are out scouting all the top schools for a blue-chip geneticist/cloning expert.

Someone wrote:
"Dude, it's cyclical...we had Sonny AND Billy Kilmer at the same time. We had probably the single best all-around player in NFL history at QB in Sammy Baugh about 40 years before that."

Posted by: brownwood26 | January 29, 2010 8:46 AM | Report abuse

******************************************
Yep, yep,; true, true
And Sonny and Billy won exactly what? The same thing that George Allen won here. Let me recap facts and reality. Despite all the talking that Sonny does, the Redskins won exactly ONE NFC East title while he was here and guess what ... He wasn't even the QB for most of that season. Allen, Sonny and Billy are mostly known for (1) Beating Dallas in an NFC title game (2) Losong the Super Bowl (3) Doing nothing else that folk remember

They were always 2nd class to Landry and Roger, who won 2 Super Bowls in the same era and at least 6-7 NFC East titles while Allen coached here and Sonny and Billy played here.

Lastly, is Fletcher really a pro bowler because he's playing in the game? If so, does that make Peyton Manning a non pro bowler cause he's not playing in the game?

"I wouldn't mind getting rid of Landry for a 3rd. But I'm sure there's other teams out there (Raiders) who would be willing to trade a high 3rd rounder for him instead of the Saints. Ryan Clark is supposed to be a FA so I'd bring him back here and team him up with Horton/Doughty.
Posted by: ga8085"

Why in the world would you trade Landry for a draft choice who will probably turn out to be not as good a player?

I could see the skins trading campbell to 2 teams, Minnesota and Arizona. Both have a late first round pick and just lost a starting QB. I could also see both willing to trade up to the 4th pick to get a QB early this year.

Discuss.

Posted by: alex35332 | January 29, 2010 11:47 AM | Report abuse

No way on Arizona, they have Leinart and while they certainly aren't sure he's the answer they have to give him the chance to be especially when JC doesn't present a clear upgrade. If they were trading for a QB it would have to be for an established top 10 guy like McNabb not a 3rd tier guy when they already have that on the roster.

MN maybe, but again, they have Rosenfels and Jackson, is Campbell a guaranteed upgrade? IMO not so much.

Real possibilities for a trade IMO are:

Carolina
Buffalo
St. Louis

and possibly Cleveland or Seattle depending on if Holmgren tries to get Hasselbeck or not.

those are the only places IMO that he presents an obvious upgrade over what they have outside of Oakland but Al seems inclined to give Russel one more year.

I could see the skins trading campbell to 2 teams, Minnesota and Arizona. Both have a late first round pick and just lost a starting QB. I could also see both willing to trade up to the 4th pick to get a QB early this year.

Discuss.

Posted by: alex35332 | January 29, 2010 11:47 AM | Report abuse

I think both would be more interested in Donovan McNabb.

Arizona might give Leinhart the 1 yr tryout if Kurt retires. Just because the $ owed.

FS position is about insticts and field presence. Nobody wanted Darren Sharper either.

Posted by: sthai75 | January 29, 2010 11:50 AM | Report abuse

Thankyou. Safeties in their 30's are still going strong and have seen everything.

Alex,
I would LOVE if a team like the Cards would trade up with the Skins to take a QB. But I would love it even more if the Browns or Bills would trade up with us. I don't see anybody giving up a late 1st for JC though..

Yeah, I'm elusive, strong and quick. On top of that, I scare teh sh*t out of anyone that looks at me. I'm uglier than Terrence Cody's man boobs. Now gimme some Bojangles or I'll throw poo at you. NOW!!!

You're right. Let's update the Yankees', the Celtics', the Red Sox, and the Buckingham Guards while we're at it. Because, y'know they're old and tired looking, too. What about spangles? Why not put spinners on the helmets to make the 'skins more hip, hot, 'n' happenin' too.

Not only is this board full of experts on football, abortion, politics, and inside secrets in the lockerroom, we now have our own Shmata specialist.

Posted by: TheCork | January 29, 2010 11:38 AM | Report abuse

I think every team you mentioned there has had a uniform change, yankees added that blue alternate shirt. Celtics have a black and green jersey now that they use. Sox, come on they have made a bunch of changes in their time, they had red hats at one point in the 70's and pinstripe hats in the 30s.

And yes we are smart bloggers its the cost of being the fan of a sports team in the most well educated city in the US.

"And Sonny and Billy won exactly what? The same thing that George Allen won here. Let me recap facts and reality. Despite all the talking that Sonny does, the Redskins won exactly ONE NFC East title while he was here and guess what ... He wasn't even the QB for most of that season. Allen, Sonny and Billy are mostly known for (1) Beating Dallas in an NFC title game (2) Losong the Super Bowl (3) Doing nothing else that folk remember."

Speaking of not remembering, I think that's your problem. George Allen never liked Sonny Jurgenson, and consequently sat him in favor of the much less skilled Billy Kilmer. Staubach was a terrific quarterback on a terrific team; Jurgenson a terrific QB on inferior teams. Vince Lombardi believed he could have won multiple titles with Sonny at the helm. George Allen disagreed.

Look at some of the other older Safeties in the league: Ed Reed, Sharper, Dawkins, etc. They're still effective and going strong. Nothing wrong with having a proven veteran in the secondary to make sure things are in order. Clark isn't that old, he could give 3 good yrs of service.

Posted by: ga8085

There are talks of Ed Reed retiring...

I always think it's funny when guys name all-pro and potential future HOF'ers to make their argument.

Would you consider Ryan Clark in the class with those guys? Because most don't.

So for the right price, I'd take a flier on him. Wouldn't open up the coffers, though.

Posted by: brownwood26 | January 29, 2010 11:55 AM

I'd say if you're looking for a pro bowler at FS in FA, that he is not. But I'd Take Clark at FS and Landry at SS, that would make a pretty good Safety tandem, but I guess you could say Landry would just make Ryan look better than he realy is. I'd say they would be a formidable pair making eachother better.

I'm afraid no one is going to view JC17 as a franchise QB. Therfore he hasn't much trade Value.

alright...i'm sick of hearing about uniforms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How many other teams/fans are constantly referring to their teams uniform? The most important thing is having a team that is playing top level football in all phases. Fu%$ the uniform, they can play in sweats if they are playing playoff level football. Enough with the uniforms.............

MN maybe, but again, they have Rosenfels and Jackson, is Campbell a guaranteed upgrade? IMO not so much.

Real possibilities for a trade IMO are:

Carolina
Buffalo
St. Louis

and possibly Cleveland or Seattle depending on if Holmgren tries to get Hasselbeck or not.

those are the only places IMO that he presents an obvious upgrade over what they have outside of Oakland but Al seems inclined to give Russel one more year.
Posted by: zjfr2
___
I think Carolina is happy with Moore.. Buffalo will probably draft a QB.. they say Claussen. St Louis is possible.. assuming they pick Suh number one. Though I'm hearing they are looking at Vick.. and maybe draft Colt McCoy in 2nd round. Agree about Cleveland and Seattle.. though wonder what Zorn told his friend Holmgren about JC. To me Oakland is his best move.. Russell is a bigger bust than Campbell and one of the few games JC looked good last year was against the Raiders. As far as Vikings I'd trade Campbell for Rosenfels. Kyle and LaFleur coached Sage in Houston for 2 years.. so Sage should have a good idea about the their system.

Al Davis needs a QB. Jason Campbell needs a team. Campbell played well against the Raiders this year. Maybe Davis will be willing to trade McFadden for Campbell? McFadden would be a good fit for Shanahan's running game and he'd look good in the spear helmet throwback uniforms.
Posted by: coparker5
_____
I concur with a trade to Oakand (last QB we traded to Oakand was Schroeder for Jim Lachy and that worked out preety well for us) So yeah Campbell but maybe for a OL man.. but I guess no chance getting Robert Gallery. Draft pick works to... Also as far as changing uniforms.. NO Black and maroon!!!! No need to THUG UP the team's uniform. But if a change does happen I hope it is to those throwback spear helments and uniform's they wore as a third jersey in 2001. They looked very cool...

Summary:
In his pro career Campell has had:
5 completed seasons of pro-football (4 as starter)
2 different HC (Gibbs, Zorn)
3 different OCs (2 while starting)
3 years coaching with a hall-of-famer HC known for his QB training ability (Joe Gibbs).
1 year personal QB coach with one of the most talented QB coaches in the NFL (Bill Musgrave).
2 years with QB coach with an impecable resume as QB trainer (Zorn).
2 years with one of the best OCs in the game (Saunders).

Summary:
In his pro career Campell has had:
5 completed seasons of pro-football (4 as starter)
2 different HC (Gibbs, Zorn)
3 different OCs (2 while starting)
3 years coaching with a hall-of-famer HC known for his QB training ability (Joe Gibbs).
1 year personal QB coach with one of the most talented QB coaches in the NFL (Bill Musgrave).
2 years with QB coach with an impecable resume as QB trainer (Zorn).
2 years with one of the best OCs in the game (Saunders).